Steering Wheel Trade

[revrevrev]

Hi There - My pagoda has a black steering wheel, but the just-received data card says it originally came with an ivory one -
Two questions, 1) Would anyone like to trade? 2) a friend has a steering wheel from a w108, will that fit?
Thanks friends -
Chris+

[66andBlue]

I seriously doubt that the W108 will fit.

[Benz Dr.]

I seriously doubt that the W108 will fit.

And yet it will. Most people never consider them because they're usually beat up and full of cracks.

[66andBlue]

Thanks Dan, learned something new again!

[ksalzer]

Ivory steering wheels are notoriously expensive, especially for the older generation 230sl's. I finally took the plunge when the Classic Center (of all places!) had a sale and I got an ivory wheel for my 65 230sl for $875. Others had the same wheel for $1500 or so. (Sad that I didn't buy years ago, when they were more like $400 - I thought then that was too expensive!) However, every time I put my hands on it, I absolutely love it and consider it worth every penny.

[zak]

I am still kicking myself for making a steering wheel trade back 30 years ago.
My 250 SL in Horizon Blue had an ivory steering wheel. With the light blue body and ivory wheel I thought it looked too girly so I traded with my mechanic for a black one from a 250SE coupe.
I was a dumb kid then. Hah!

jz

[Garry]

A steering wheel restorer can probably make your existing wheel into an ivory one for way less than replacing it.  I have been told it is not too difficult to do yourself if you have the equipment to spray.

[dirkbalter]

A steering wheel restorer can probably make your existing wheel into an ivory one for way less than replacing it.  I have been told it is not too difficult to do yourself if you ave the equipment to spray.

You might be able to do it yourself. As Garry said.

 https://www.mercedesscheune.de/workshops/lenkrad-restaurieren

[revrevrev]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! All your comments are very helpful!
Chris+

[zak]

Danke, aba meine Deutsche ist nicht so gut.

jz

[114015]

Dear Chris!

Two questions, 1) Would anyone like to trade? 2) a friend has a steering wheel from a w108, will that fit?

1) Uhem ... rather no.
2) Yes, that works, Dr. Benz is absolutely correct here.
Any steering wheel of any contemporary sedan Benz would work here in your Pagoda...;
or, to be exact, any steering wheel made between 1959 and June 1967.

See our Wiki for the details:

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/SteeringWheel

The later steering wheels from July 1967 onwards, the so-called stroke-eight steering wheels (i.e. late 250 SL and 280 SLs) won't fit your car.

Best,
Achim
(ivorysteeringwheelcollector)

[114015]

Danke, aba meine Deutsche ist nicht so gut.

Hey Zak !(js)!
Gut genug !
Klasse !

[114015]

Chris,

One more thing from my side.
If you want to have an ivory colored steering wheel...,
IMHO,

don't buy a new one .... Prices are just ridiculous. Why wasting so much money.
Better: Be patient!

Patience really helps if you are looking for spare parts that are not urgent and life saving.
Looking around here and there, seeking the internet regularily, spreading the word...;
that really helps.
Eventually, you will find a good/decent one at a very reasonable price. Without wasting four digit numbers. Not new for sure, but good and decent (mostly with hairline cracks). Go and look for those, because those are authentic.
Even best preserved (museum) cars don't have utmost perfect ivory steering wheels today anymore.
There are almost always some hairline cracks and the original ivory hubpad is always more or less faded (a little more brownish).
Just live with it, and you can find steering wheels in decent conditions mostly for a very low 3-digit number.

Ask me how I know.

Good luck!
Achim

[revrevrev]

Thx Achim - yes I'm in no hurry - and appreciate the wisdom here.